jan 1, 1887 - 1887 - The Dawes Act divided former reservations into individual plots of land to be given to Native Americans. This law continued the process of 'Americanization' that sought to convert the Native Americans who lived in communal organizations into yeoman farmers in a model inspired by Thomas Jefferson. The plots of land given were insufficient for survival, and as a result many Native Americans were unable to sustain a farming economy.
Added to timeline:
Date:
jan 1, 1887
Now
~ 138 years ago